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Zamboanga del Norte –
Twin City Province
As the name implies, Zamboanga
del Norte has two cities, Dipolog and Dapitan, which are rich
in history and culture. Dapitan is dubbed as the ‘Shrine
Capital of the Philippines’ since this is where Philippine
National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal stayed in exile and brought
progressive changes in the city. Dipolog on the other hand is
known as the ‘Orchid City’ since most households
have this plant growing in their yard.
Here in Zamboanga del Norte, history, culture, and progress
blend well together. Aside from cultural and historical landmarks,
the province has started to show signs of progress and development
brought about by the rise of tourism in the province. Soon,
Zamboanga del Norte will become one of the prime destinations
in the country.
Demographics
1. Population – 907,
238 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 7, 301 sq. km
3. Capital – Dipolog City
4. Language/Dialect – Chavacano, Cebuano, English, and
Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (2)
Municipalities (25)
- Leon B. Postigo (Bacungan)
- Baliguian
- Godod (17)
- Gutalac
- Jose Dalman (Ponot)
- Kalawit
- Katipunan
- La Libertad
- Labason
- Liloy
- Manukan
- Mutia
- Piñan (New Piñan)
- Polanco
- Pres. Manuel A. Roxas
- Rizal
- Salug
- Sergio Osmeña Sr.
- Siayan
- Sibuco
- Sibutad
- Sindangan
- Siocon
- Sirawai
- Tampilisan
Famous For ...
Dapitan Shrine/Rizal
Shrine
Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal spent his last four
years in exile in Dapitan from 1982 – 1986. Here, he spent
most of his time as a scientist, physician, teacher, scholar
and writer, artist, farmer and even businessman.
Gloria de Dapitan
It is a commercial business center which boasts of world-class
facilities such as amusement parks, bowling centers, shopping
centers, and theater.
Dakak Park and Beach Resort
The very popular Dakak Beach is most known for its beautfiully
shaped cove and powdery white sand, and as a diving mecca in
Mindanao. Pristine blue waters, excellent dive sites with an
abundance of coral reefs, and a magnificent sunset horizon characterize
this tropical eden.
Places of Interest
Cultural
Tulwanan Village
Location: Sitio Tulwanan, Brgy. Lugdungan, Dilolog City, Zamboanga
del Norte
It was the original settlement of Dipolog's early inhabitants,
the Subanons. It is located about six kilometers from the city
proper and along Dipolog River, through which the Subanons transported
their products to trading posts and markets in the early days.
Rizaliana Museum
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
It is a modern concrete building constructed in 1972, which
houses all Rizaliana books, periodicals, and other historical
exhibits. Part of it also serves as the office of the Rizal
Shrine curator.
Historical
Rizal Shrine
Location: Brgy. Talisay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s more or less sixteen (16) hectares
estate has been declared a national shrine and is being administered
by the National Historical Institute. By the year 2020, Dapitan
is poised to become the Dr. Jose Rizal Heritage Center of the
Philippines, owing to the wealth of Rizal memorabilia and memorable
places associated with the hero.
Dapitan City Plaza
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Occupying an area of more or less one hectare (2.711 acres),
the Dapitan City Plaza was developed and beautified by Dr. Jose
Rizal, the Philippines' National Hero, with the assistance of
Gov. Carcinero. His plan had been to make it comparable to the
plazas he had seen in Europe.
Relief Map of Mindanao
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
The area is more or less, 900 square meters in size. Dr. Rizal
made this map from August to September 1892 assisted by Francisco
Paula de Sanchez, Rizal’s favorite teacher in Ateneo de
Manila. It was intended as a motivating device for teaching
geography and history to his pupils in Dapitan.
Casa Redonda
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
It is an octagonal dwelling that served as the quarters for
Dr. Jose Rizal's pupils. Later converted to a clinic, it was
here that George Tauter, the foster father of Josephine Bracken,
had his eye operation.
Casa Cuadrada
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
It is the main house that served as the residence of Dr. Jose
Rizal together with members of his family, who came to visit
him every so often. It has been faithfully reconstructed using
its original light native materials.
Casa Real Marker
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
In this area stood the official residence and administration
building of Don Ricardo Carnicero, the politico-military governor
in Dapitan during the Spanish regime. The Casa Real had a similar
structure as the City Hall, except that the Casa Real had three
balconies: one in front, one each in the left and right side.
It was demolished in the 1920’s to give way for the construction
of a medical personnel dormitory of the old Rizal Memorial Hospital
by the Americans.
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Constructed by the Spanish friars sometime in 1894, records
show that the original altar was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal,
the sketch of the altar was patterned after that of San Ignacio
Church in Manila.
Monument of Three Prominent Dipolognons
Location: Dipolog City Hall, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
The monument features three Dipolognons who have made a mark
in the history of the province.
- Hon. Pascual T. Martinez - the first municipal mayor of
Dipolog (1913-1918). He was later elected Municipal Mayor
in 1918 following the First General Election of Dipolog and
served until 1921.
- Rev. Fr. Nicasio Y. Patangan - First Filipino Diocesan
Priest of Mindanao. Appointed Parish Priest of Dipolog in
May 1940 and served the office until 1967.
- Eugenio R. Margate - He discovered the Margate System Of
Planting Rice. Authored the book "Humay", 100 Kabanes
Matag Hektarya." He was declared by Free Press as "Man
Of The Year" in 1954. He served as Technical Assistant
in the field of Agriculture during the Administration of Presidents
Ramon Magsaysay and Carlos P. Garcia.
Filipino-Japanese Memorial Marker
Location: Brgy Dicayas, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
A World War II memorial stands over a battleground where Filipino
and Japanese soldiers clashed fiercely and many lost their lives.
The memorial is accessible in 15 minutes from the city proper
via the highway.
Man-made
Gloria de Dapitan
Location: Sunset Blvd., Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Literally means “to bring glory to Dapitan,” the
commercial business center which boasts of world-class facilities
such as amusement parks, bowling centers, shopping centers,
and theater. Visitors can also buy pasalubongs in the area.
Mi Retiro Rock
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
A naturally heart-shaped rock, it is so called because it was
where Dr. Jose Rizal had scribed the beautiful verses of his
poems, "Mi Retiro" and "Himno a Talisay."
It is also known as Batong Lumayag as it appears to be afloat
during high tide. Presently, it lies within an artificial lagoon.
A 500-seat open-air amphitheater is located beyond Mi Retiro
Rock
P’gsalabuk Circle / Dipolog Fountain
Location: Estaka-Turno intersection, Dipolog City, Zamboanga
del Norte
The statutes represent the tri-people of Mindanao, which symbolize
the diverse cultures prevailing in Dipolog. The bowl raised
to heavens is a gesture of thanksgiving and offering to God
Almighty for the generous outpouring of graces and blessings,
bountiful harvests and sustained peace and prosperity.
OISCA Children's Forest Park
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Marvel at all of 64 hectares of lush forests, flora, and fauna,
giving trekkers and nature buffs an unforgettable experience
with nature at its best. A showcase of nature conservation and
ecological balance, the forest park is a declared bird sanctuary
that is home to exotic birds. It is a joint project of the Japanese
OISCA organization and the city government of Dipolog.
Natural
Dakak Park and Beach Resort
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Dakak Park and Beach Resort boasts 15 hectares of wooded land,
a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, and a 750-meter
private white-sand beach. Nestled on the tip of Northern Zamboanga,
Dakak faces the Sulu Sea in the west and is surrounded by mountains
on its east side. Conveniently encircled by large island, Dakak
tactfully avoids the typhoon belt, making it the ideal all-season
destination. It also boasts of numerous dive sites filled with
coral reefs and diverse marine wildlife.
Sungkilaw Falls
Location: Brgy. Diwan, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Sungkilaw Falls is an amazing sight that many local and foreign
tourists really love to visit and explore. It is described as
an entirely new whitewater experience where the sightseeing
pleasure never wanes.
Sinilog Island
Location: Brgy. Sinilog, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Its main attraction is its pure white sand, which can hold its
own against the other more well known spots in the Philippines.
In addition the island is surrounded by crystal clear waters,
making it the perfect site for scuba diving.
Aliguay Island
Location: Brgy. Aliguay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Aliguay Island is enveloped by some of the clearest and purest
sands anywhere, and the waters around it conceal some of the
most interesting marine denizens in Mindanao. This place is
a must visit for lovers of underwater marine life.
Cogon Eco-Tourism Park
Location: Dipolog City – Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte
This environmental rest area park and forest preserve covers
a total land area of 344 hectares. Within the park's vast expanse
also lies a 40-hectare natural forest that is home to at least
ten documented rare fauna species. Just a few meters from the
park's entrance is located the Aviary, where visitors can catch
a glimpse of exotic birds endemic to the area.
Religious
Sta. Cruz Marker
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Spot where migrating Boholanos from the Visayas landed on and
planted the cross of Christianity on May 3, 1905.
Mt. Linabo Park
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
A devotee has to climb 3,003 concrete steps towards the 14 Stations
of the Cross. The area is very popular during the Lenten Season.
It offers a spectacular view of the twincities of Dipolog and
Dapitan.
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
The vicinity of this grotto was also an ancient burial ground
of the pre-Spanish Dapitanons. The first church in Dapitan built
in 1631-1767 was at the left side of the grotto and adjacent
to it, was the Old Mission House.
St. James Church
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Construcfed in 1871, the church was built in honor of St. James
the Greater, Dapitan’s parton saint. A priceless heritage
piped organ that bears a year marking “1827” can
be found at the choir loft. It was brought to Dapitan in 1864
by the Augustinian Recollect Father. It is a German made with
European pipes and a manual pump.
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral (Dipolog
Church)
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Erected by the Spanish friars sometime in 1895, records show
that the original altar was designed by Dr. Jose Rlzal, the
sketch of the altar was patterned after that of San Ignacio
Church in Manila. Images of the Four Evangelists, (St. Matthew,
St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John) adorn the roof of the church.
It can be seen on the four columns supporting the apse
Festivals
Hudyaka Zanorte
Place: Zamboanga del Norte Province
Date: May 27 – June 7
Hudyaka is a Visayan term meaning joyful, vigorous, cheerful,
full of action, merrymaking and grand celebration.The festival
coincides with the 57th Founding Anniversary of the province.
It is s designed to promote Zamboanga del Norte’s thriving
tourism industry. Activities include fashion show, beauty contest,
sports events, and cultural activities.
Buklog Festival
Place: Zamboanga del Norte
Date: April 16 - 20
Considered as the most significant of all Subanen religious
rituals, The buklog, which also stands for "ceremonial
platform," is a thanksgiving festival of the Subanen. Buklog
Festival is an ancient spiritual rite to offer gratefulness,
and to honor the spirits of the water (malengma), the spirit
of the forest (mamanwa), and the spirit of the mountain (maninising
palingkitan), to whom they pray for abundant harvest and protection
from misfortune.
Kinabayo Festival
Place: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Date: July 24
Kinabayo is an exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish
wars, particularly the Battle of Covadonga. In that battle the
Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last stand against
the Saracens. They were able to reverse the tide of the war
with the miraculous apparition of Saint James, the Apostle.
The addition of local color and innovations has made this annual
festivity a popular attraction to visitors of Dapitan.
Dr. Jose Rizal Death Anniversary
Place: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Date: December 30
Commemorative activities focus on Rizal's life, works, and ideas
are staged during his death anniversary. December 30 is observed
nationwide as Rizal Day.
P’gsalabuk Festival
Place: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Date: Last Friday of May
It comes from the Subanen term which means “coming together”.
The festival aims to showcase the myriad interplay of culture:
Muslim, Lumad and the varied and diverse culture of the settlers
from all over the Philippines as well as the Spanish, Chinese,
American and other Asian culture that have been so meticulously
woven and shaped into what is known as the unique Mindanao Tri-people
Culture.
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